Getting over it

Since I've last posted the world has been rocked by the Haiti disaster.  How could anyone have nerve to complain, gripe, or bellyache in the face of the disaster and suffering in Haiti?  Yet I still hear it.  When will the human race become as one?  Yet, there are still staggering stories of goodness, even greatness.  I, for one, decided that I would stop every hour during the day (I set the alarm on my blackberry) and consciously offer a silent thought (call it prayer?).  And what a great idea to have the opportunity to make Red Cross contributions via a text message on my cell phone!  Loved it! 
Today is MLK Day.  I did not get my act together for this "day of service" (I will do better next year), but I did decide to pay special attention and care to those who provide service.  It is too easy to take for granted all of the service providers in our life:  hair dressers, wait staff, doctor's office staff, store cashiers - all whose jobs are about service.  I have been guilty too many times of taking these folks for granted, thinking, it's their job after all.  But, today I took special efforts to show appreciation, patience, and understanding for these folks.  It may be just (as my Grandmama said) good manners, but, I believe, there's a major shortage of good manners and every little bit helps.  Smiles, thank you, please, don't hurry.  Dont hurry, there's time to be nice!